Exploring Wrigley's Ballhawks At The Siskel

By Marcus Gilmer in Arts & Entertainment on May 24, 2010 5:40PM

When you're a team with a history like the Chicago Cubs - both good and bad - you're going to attract a lot of attention. And a lot of documentaries. While we still await the ESPN 30 for 30 entry on Bartman, Cubs fans can enjoy a doc that shows a much lighter side of Cubs lore: the Waveland/Sheffield "ballhawks." Mike Diedrich's documentary Ballhawks focuses on the dedicated fans who prowl the streets just beyond Wrigley's fences, jockeying for position to catch one of the blasted home run balls that make their way outside the park. Narrated by Cub-fan-celeb Bill Murray, the film gets a run this weekend at the Siskel Film Center which will be attended by Diedrich as well as some of the ballhawks featured in the film. If you're a Cubs fan and haven't planned out your Memorial Day weekend yet, this seems like something that should be put on the schedule. Check out the trailer here.

Ballhawks screening and Q&A, Friday, May 28 (6 p.m. and 8 p.m. - Q&A after 8 p.m. show only), Saturday, May 29 (8:30 p.m.), and Sunday, May 30 (5:30 p.m.), Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 North State St., Tickets are $10 via Ticketmaster